UNHdude

B4 I get started, YES I have searched the forums and have not found information to satisfy my concerns.

Sure, it taps at start up. But I have noticed that I can hear a faint tapping at low speeds/high rpms, say when driving in first gear in a parking lot or something.

I had an Acura Legend which developed the same problem... at 150,000+ miles due to dirty valve lifters. The A4 has <50,000.

My question is, is THIS a common problem along with the cold start? or is this just an 'effect' of driving an aging 5v motor? should I feed it Restore, as I did the Legend? Switch oil weight?

Experienced/knowledgable advice is prefered.

added notes: 99.5 A4 Quattro, Manual Trans, bought at 42k miles, now has 47ish. Using 5W-30. Cold climate. Last oil change less than 1000mi ago.

995AVANT28T

search under ticking sound.

most suggest:

1. oil detergent drive it for 1.5K
2. switch to synthetic oil

I have around 37K, it only happens after a long drive (oil viscosity is thinner). Doing 1 and 2 will help that problem.

and yes is normal for these 5V motors.

nanotech

My engine quieted down a lot switching from 15W40 to 5W30 synth. Seems like you're already there, but in the extreme cold of the past week, 0W30 or 0W40 may be a better choice.

I'm neither knowledgeable or experienced, however